# XXV: I Double Back explained — The Riddle of the Sands

> Chapter companion for The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers.

## What happens

Carruthers departs from Davies and travels by train through northern Germany, reflecting on Davies' theories about a German coastal defense scheme and Dollmann's espionage. He studies maps and notes, connecting canals, the railway loop, and the Benser Tief to a possible invasion plan. Arriving in Esens, he pieces together clues about the strategic use of the Ems–Jade Canal and the role of the islands and channels.

## Themes in this chapter

### Espionage and Secrecy

Carruthers deciphers hidden clues about a German defense scheme and Dollmann's spying activities.

### Military Preparedness

The chapter explores the strategic use of canals, railways, and islands for coastal defense and potential invasion.

### Deception and Appearance

Carruthers reflects on how von Brüning tricked him at Bensersiel and the hidden meanings behind ordinary features like canals and streams.

## Character check-ins

### Carruthers

Narrator; travels alone, studies maps, and assembles clues about the German defense scheme.

### Arthur H. Davies

Seen briefly at departure; gives Carruthers a scrap of paper with notes on the journey and theories.

### Herr Böhme

Travels with Carruthers on the ferry and train; Carruthers suspects his involvement in the scheme.

### Dollmann

Mentioned as a spy for English plans and as active in island development.

### Commander von Brüning

Recalled for tricking Carruthers at Bensersiel and for his role in the naval part of the scheme.

## Key lines

> He spoke of a German scheme of coast defence, and in the next breath of Dollmann spying for English plans in the event of war with Germany, and there he left the matter; but what sort of plans?

Davies mentioned a German coastal defense plan and Dollmann's espionage for England, but Carruthers is left wondering what specific plans are involved.

_Carruthers puzzles over the vague hints from Davies._

> I remembered that page in the North Sea Pilot where the Ems–Jade Canal is referred to as deep enough to carry gunboats, and as used for that strategic purpose between Wilhelmshaven and Emden, along the base, that is, of the Frisian peninsula.

Carruthers recalls that the North Sea Pilot describes the Ems–Jade Canal as deep enough for gunboats and used strategically along the Frisian peninsula.

_Carruthers connects the canal to Davies' theory._

> I reviewed every circumstance of that day at Bensersiel, and boiled to think how von Brüning had tricked me.

Carruthers angrily reconsiders how von Brüning deceived him during their visit to Bensersiel.

_Carruthers feels outmaneuvered by von Brüning._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters/xxv-i-double-back
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_riddle_of_the_sands_se/chapters